there are a lot more independent thinkers in the Democratic party
What idea(s) have the Democrats come up with to solve any current issues? The problem isn't that they haven't got their message out, it's that they have got their message out and it has been rejected by a majority of the people.
The Republicans have co-opted the big government spending that kept the Dems in office. That is all they had going for them, they spent money (ours) like it grew on trees. Now the Republicans have beat them at their own game.
The conservatives all agree no matter how bitter the pill, and keep on winning because of the simple message that is so consistent.
The Republicans are now the big tent party. There are big government Republicans, libertarian republicans, pro and anti life republicans, gay, black, hispanic, poor, rich etc.. that all identify with the republican party.
Our tent is so big that we almost don't stand for anything any more.
The Dems are the narrow minded party now. Try speaking up in support of the traditional family or be against unfettered abortion and see how far you get in the democratic party. How about guns? Be in favor of conceiled carry or against gun controle and it's a death sentence for your political career.